On board preamp

[Roger2611]

Hi guys and gals

I have just picked up a cheap (ish) Bass Collection SB330 with twin SCG soapbar pickups, it is 2 band active, pickup blend control, master volume and active / passive switch.

I used it as my backup bass last night as when I soundchecked with it I was entirely underwhelmed with the sound in both actice and passive mode and I am not entirely sure the actives are 100% at the moment as I was getting a loud pop when switching between passive and active.

I really like the way it plays and my back really likes the weight of the bass so potentially it's a keeper but I will need to greatly improve its sound

Now I was wondering about ripping all the electronics out of it and upgrading to something of better quality but I have a few questions / concerns.

Is it worth swapping the pickups to something like Seymour Duncan Basslines or similar or should I just be looking to swap the preamp and if so will I be able to get one that will a) fit into the existing control layout and still offer the active / passive option.

Any recommendations welcomed

Cheers

Edited June 8, 2013 by Roger2611

[pete.young]

I just put a Nordstrand 2-band 4-knob into my SB465, it is active/passive (though why you'd want the passive I don't know) and fits easily into the cavity. You may need to open out the holes in the top with a round file though, because the pot threads are slightly bigger than the original SGC Nanyo.

It's not unusual for the original preamps to go wrong: I replaced mine with an Artec 3-band, but the Nordy sounds a lot better.

[Mikkoantt]

Hi
I just put my Fodera Monarch New Standard a Mike Pope Flexcore 4 band eq with passive tone. Unbeliviable dynamics. You can order Flexcore from mikepopedesign.com. There is generator where you can design your own preamp. And it's very easy to install.

[Dingus]

To be frank , if it's not a good sounding bass to begin with , adding even a very good preamp won't neccesarilly bring the improvements in the sound you are hoping for . It could easily end up as a classic case of throwing good money after bad . I would experiment a bit more with the bass as it is or without spending very much more on it first before I forked out on a new preamp .

[Roger2611]

Thanks guys, I have a bit more of a play with it today, "deoxed" the pots, switch and jack socket, I also found that the output trim control was turned down to minimum, I have turned it up to match the output of the Precision Lyte and it has vastly improved the sound, now that I have adjusted the trussrod set the action and put new strings on, it has completely transformed the bass.

I feel really sorry for the guy that had the bass before me, I don't think he was a very experienced player and really didn't get to see just how good this bass could have been once set up correctly.

[neepheid]

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1370690530' post='2104404']
(though why you'd want the passive I don't know)
[/quote]

Safety net in case the batteries start dying on you mid-song/gig. Quicker than changing the battery especially if a screwdriver is involved.

Yes, one should be keeping on top of the battery situation, but one is only human after all.

[pete.young]

I just pick up my spare bass.

[neepheid]

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1370808087' post='2105889']
I just pick up my spare bass.
[/quote]

I do not possess the cat-like reflexes and physical dexterity required to execute that manoeuvre mid song. I salute you. I do find that I can flick a switch that fast, so that is my coping mechanism.